International Trade

On March 17, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a second 60-day stay on the effective date of its final rule, published on December 23, 2016, to allow the importation of fresh lemons from northwest Argentina into the continental United States.

No details were provided in the announcement as to the reason for the second 60-day stay.

Following a Trump White House directive signed on January 20, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is issuing a 60-day stay on its final rule to allow the importation of fresh lemon fruit from northwest Argentina into the continental United States.

The final rule was promulgated on December 23, 2016. The stay commenced on January 23, 2017, after it was published in the Federal Register.

The Secretary of Treasury in Mexico (SAT) has implemented a contingency plan in the event protesters block ports of entry between Mexico and the United States.

Information has circulated that various groups may block the ports tomorrow to protest President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in.

Mexican border agents will work overtime tomorrow, and will work extended hours on Saturday and Sunday in case cargo crossings get affected. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have not issued any notices about overtime activities.